Things to do in Plymouth

Thanks to its rich maritime history, stunning waterfront and globally important harbour, Plymouth has every right to call itself Britain’s Ocean City. Much of the city was destroyed during the Plymouth Blitz of World War II, so it now offers a unique blend of historic buildings and modern developments. Surrounded by Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and with dramatic coastlines interspersed with charming beaches, a stay in one of our three Plymouth hotels means you can enjoy some great days outdoors. And that’s without even mentioning Dartmoor National Park. This useful guide to Plymouth gives you a local perspective on a city of global significance. You’ll find places to eat, drink, dance and shop, alongside some of the south-west’s best venues and attractions. So dive in and discover what to do in Plymouth.

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Attractions

See how many of Plymouth’s sights you can tick off from our list of stunning parks, naval monuments, sporting stadiums and historic buildings like Royal William Yard.

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Shopping

Between Drake Circus, the City Market, the Independent Quarter, and the Barbican, Plymouth’s got everything covered when the urge for a splurge of retail therapy strikes.

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Beaches

In the stretches of coastline surrounding Plymouth, you can find some of the best beaches in Devon, offering a fabulous choice of rock pools, dog friendly golden sands, clean seas and sweet surf.

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Activities

Whether you want to take to the water, or explore some of the nearby Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there are all kinds of activities you can enjoy in Plymouth. Our guide covers beaches, indoor activities in Plymouth, cycling, boat trips, water sports, historic railways and more.

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Entertainment

Plymouth Pavilions is our most famous entertainment venue hosting live bands, famous comedians, professional basketball matches and more. But our guide also delves into some of the lesser known, but equally great entertainment hubs the city has to offer like the Theatre Royal Plymouth, Plymouth Argyle FC and more.

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Culture

For a city with such a rich maritime history, it’s hardly surprising that you’ll find some fascinating museums in Plymouth. They prop up a culture scene that also includes a nationally revered arts centre, a handful of theatres and a couple of quality comedy clubs.

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Places to eat

There are chippies, cafés, street food, fine dining, food markets and restaurants in Plymouth that range from fine dining to the downright exotic. Whether you want to go somewhere that’s made it into the Michelin Guide, or that wraps your dinner in the pages of yesterday's newspaper, you’ll find it in Plymouth’s food scene.

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Nightlife

Nights out come in all shapes and sizes in Plymouth. You can see what all the fuss is about by hitting Union Street. Or to be on the safe side, stick to the bars in the Barbican. There is also upmarket drinking in Royal William Yard, a whole host of excellent pubs, LGBT nights and a quality underground scene.

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Getting around

Making your way around Plymouth is easy with the help of our guide to the Ocean City’s travel options. From taking taxis to airport transfers and bus services, this guide’s got you covered.

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